When Northwest Professional Educators surveyed members, we discovered that a strong majority supports requiring high school students to pass a test on the 100 basic facts of U.S. history and civics as a condition of graduation. KBOI TV covers the issue here.

Although not typically enamored by more tests and acknowledging that teachers are currently covering civics at some level, seventy one percent of NWPE members believe that requiring high school graduates to meet the same minimal standards required of immigrants is a way to ensure that all students are versed in how our government works and who we are as a nation. They believe this bill will result in high school graduates being better prepared for active, engaged citizenship when they leave high school.

Reversing the tragic disengagement of Idaho’s voters is a worthy goal. The Spokesman Review reported that 2014 was the first time that less than 40 percent of the voting-age population cast ballots in a general election.

NWPE members believe that Senator Patrick’s bill is a reasonable requirement that will contribute to what the state constitution cites is the purpose of the public education system, namely, to support “the stability of a republican form of government.” (Idaho Const. art. IX, § 1)

A test of civics knowledge? Seriously? How about providing evidence that taking a test has any chance of increasing civics knowledge or civic participation? Why not require a class? That would denote a serious intent. Here's an idea for NWPE. Research the origin of this bill. Find out who benefits from adding a test? What evidence is there to support a test? Show non members why NWPE should be taken seriously.